Dr. Jessica Thomas is an accomplished educator, entrepreneur, and equity advocate committed to transforming systems through culturally responsive leadership.

With a strong foundation in STEM education, special education management and school administration, Dr. Thomas brings over 15 years of experience designing inclusive learning environments, facilitating equity-focused professional development, and leading innovative educational initiatives.

She joined Dr Peterson to discuss the 2nd annual Trailblazers Academy Summit happening at the Temple University Student Center on Thursday, April 23, 2026 from 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM. The event is open to all Philadelphia high school students.

Eileen Grench is a journalist who covers immigration enforcement for Documented NYC. Previously, Ms. Grinch has covered the impact of the criminal justice and immigration systems on communities in New York City, Houston and beyond.

She joined Dr. Peterson to discuss her recent news coverage of New York City’s Mayor, Zohran Mamdani promising a “Trump-Proof” New York to the city’s 3-million immigrants and protecting immigration data.

Article Link: https://documentedny.com/2026/03/04/mamdani-trump-nypd-ice-data-sharing/

Jamilah Lemieux is a renowned cultural critic and writer with a focus on issues of race, gender and parenting. She is a leading millennial feminist thinker, influencer, and game-changing media maverick.

She joined Dr. Peterson to discuss her new book “Black Single Mother: Real-Life Tales of Longing and Belonging”.

Bailey Tippen is an actress known for her role in the Netflix drama series Beauty in Black, created by Tyler Perry. This drama follows two women from very different worlds whose lives become unexpectedly connected. One storyline centers on Kimmie, a struggling young woman trying to survive after being kicked out by her family. She becomes involved in the nightlife industry while searching for stability and safety. At the same time, a wealthy and powerful family runs a successful beauty and hair-care empire but hides dangerous secrets behind their glamorous image. As Kimmie’s life intersects with theirs, she becomes caught in a web of crime, power, and manipulation. The series explores themes of survival, exploitation, and ambition.

On the show, Bailey portrays Sylvie, the younger sister of the main character Kimmie, whose storyline becomes central to the series’s darker plot developments. On Thursday, March 19th, Netflix will premiere part 2 of season 2 of Beauty in Black.

Bailey joins the show to talk about her role on the show, what people can expect in part 2 of season 2 of the show, and what she wants out of her career in the future.

Ann Turner is the event organizer for the “Black on Noir” event taking place at The African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP): on Sunday, March 29th, from 6pm-10pm, AAMP will be hosting “Black on Noir: An Evening of Legacy & Black Excellence”. This event will bring together community leaders, creatives, professionals, and culture enthusiasts for a sophisticated night celebrating the artistry, history, and cultural significance of Black identity and style. The event will feature a cultural exploration of The History and Art of Black Hair, recognition of leaders who embody excellence and legacy, live entertainment, and networking.

Ann joins the program to further discuss all that Black on Noir will entail, and what attendees will expect upon arrival.

Keelan Whitmore is the community liaison and rehearsal director for BalletX, Philadelphia's Premier Contemporary Ballet and Center for World Premiere Choreography.

BalletX has a youth program called “Dance eXchange”: an in-school outreach program that emphasizes dance as a means to promote self-confidence, acquire valuable life skills, and establish personal standards for excellence. The program includes over 400 3rd & 4th grade 400 students in 6 Philadelphia public schools. In early April, these students will put on a final performance of what they’ve learned in the program. It will take place on April 6th, 7th, 8th, and 16th @ The Mandell Theater at Drexel University.

Keelan joins the show to further discuss BalletX's Dance eXchange Program, and what people can expect from the program's upcoming performance.

Lawyer and critical race theorist Dr. Tim Golden joins the show. He speaks to us on the Trump administration’s push to change voting in ways that could keep people at home.

Film critic Tim Gordon joins us to talk about "Sinners" 4 Oscar wins at the Academy Awards. With 16 Nominations, is this another example of Black cinema getting snubbed at award shows?

Nnenna Freelon is a seven-time Grammy-award nominee, multi-award winning artist, author of “Beneath The Skin”, podcast host of “Great Grief”, and a 2026 NAACP Image Award nominee for Outstanding Jazz Album for her album also called “Beneath The Skin”. She joined Dr. Peterson to discuss the NAACP Image Awards nomination, her album "Beneath The Skin", and her podcast "Great Grief".

Courtney Federico is the Associate Director for International Climate Policy at the Center for American Progress. She joined Dr. Peterson to discuss how the war on Iran is raising gas prices and other costs, and how the Trump administration could lower energy prices and what it is doing instead.